When opportunity knocks, even the biggest clubs have to listen—especially when it comes in the form of promising young talent.
That’s exactly what Kaizer Chiefs are doing as they close in on two major signings from a club now relegated to South Africa’s third division.
With Cape Town Spurs dropping to the ABC Motsepe League, their talented youngsters Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman have caught the eye of the Chiefs’ top brass.
And while the negotiations are getting a little messy, the Glamour Boys believe this is their moment to strike.
Chiefs Want Spurs Duo Despite Contract Confusion
Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly looking to snap up 22-year-old winger Asanele Velebayi and 19-year-old striker Luke Baartman, two of the most promising players from Cape Town Spurs.
After Spurs were relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Chiefs believed the players were no longer bound by contracts to the club.
However, that assumption is being challenged.
Spurs have taken the matter to court, pushing back against the notion that Velebayi and Baartman are free agents.
Still, Chiefs are so eager to get the deals done that they’re willing to pay well above FIFA’s recommended fee.
Chiefs Set to Pay R5 Million as a ‘Thank You’ Gesture
According to inside sources, Kaizer Chiefs are preparing to pay around R5 million for the pair—even though that might not be necessary.
It’s not just about legal obligations, though.
The payment is reportedly being framed as a goodwill gesture to Spurs, acknowledging the club’s role in developing the players.
That might sound like a lot, especially for a club with a history of struggling in the striker department.
But considering the potential of both Velebayi and Baartman, this move might end up being a steal.
The Striker Curse Lingers but Hope Rises
Kaizer Chiefs’ ongoing hunt for a reliable striker has been well documented over the years.
The club has cycled through forwards with mixed success, always hoping for the next big name to lead the line.
Baartman, still just a teenager, may not be the instant solution to that long-standing curse, but he represents a shift toward long-term planning.
With two goals in nine league appearances last season, he’s already shown flashes of promise.
Velebayi, on the other hand, brings experience and pace, having made 23 appearances in the Premiership last season.
A Smart Move or a Risky Gamble?
It’s not every day that a top-tier club gets a chance to pick up quality young talent from a relegated side.
If these players were performing at a bigger club, their price tags would be much higher.
So in that sense, R5 million could be seen as a bargain—or at least a savvy investment in the future.
What makes this deal particularly interesting is how Chiefs are combining respect for Spurs with a long-term vision for their squad.
Whether that pays off on the pitch remains to be seen.
Have Your Say on the Potential Bargain
Do you think R5 million is worth it for two young prospects like Velebayi and Baartman?
Would you back Kaizer Chiefs’ gamble, or is this another case of the striker curse looming large?